Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-05
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The plans below show a harbour in 2000 and how it looks today.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 6.5)
The given maps illustrate the changes that have taken place in the harbour between 2000 and the present day.
Overall, the harbour has undergone significant redevelopment. While some facilities, such as the showers and toilets, the lifeboat, the passenger ferries, and one car park, have remained unchanged, several new tourist facilities have been added and some existing features have been relocated.
In 2000, the harbour contained two car parks, a marina for private yachts, fishing boats, a lifeboat connected by a road, two public beaches, a disused castle, passenger ferries, and a dock. Since then, one of the car parks has been expanded, while the marina and fishing boats have been relocated. In addition, a new hotel has been built near the beach and is connected to the main road. Cafés and shops have also been constructed to improve visitor facilities.
The most noticeable change is that one of the public beaches has been converted into a private beach that is accessible only to hotel guests. Furthermore, the dock has been moved to make room for a larger number of passenger ferries.
Overall, the harbour has been modernized with improved tourist amenities, making it more attractive and visitor-friendly.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response effectively identifies the main features of the harbour in 2000 and the present day. You have successfully highlighted key changes, such as the conversion of the beach, the relocation of the marina, and the addition of tourist facilities. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the overall transformation. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are fully supported by the visual data; for instance, you mention the dock was moved, but specifying the direction or the nature of the change relative to the original position would add precision. Overall, the response is well-focused and covers all requirements of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, the initial state, and the specific changes. You use cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'The most noticeable change' effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows smoothly from one point to the next. The referencing is clear, and the structure supports the reader's understanding of the spatial changes described in the maps.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and changes, such as 'redevelopment', 'converted', 'modernized', and 'visitor-friendly'. The language is natural and precise enough to convey the intended meaning without ambiguity. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items related to urban planning or geographical features could elevate the score further. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The response uses a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with relative clauses and passive voice constructions (e.g., 'has been converted', 'have been added'). The grammar is generally accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over tense usage—shifting between the past state and the present perfect for changes—is consistent and appropriate for this task type. There are no frequent errors, and the writing is clear and professional.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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